If you’re an executive or manager working for a company overseas and looking to continue your career in the United States, the EB-1C visa may be a good option. This employment-based green card is designed for multinational professionals who are being transferred to a related company in the U.S. in a leadership role.
At Rahimi Law Firm, P.C., we work closely with international businesses and individuals to pursue EB-1C visas. Whether you’re relocating to manage a branch in New York or growing your business in the U.S., we’re here to guide you each step of the way.
Who Qualifies for an EB-1C Visa?
The EB-1C category is for executives or managers who are transferring from a company abroad to a related company in the U.S., such as a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. You must have worked for the overseas company for at least one continuous year within the past three years before filing.
To qualify, you must show:
- Your role abroad was executive or managerial.
- The U.S. company is a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of the foreign employer.
- Your new position in the U.S. is also executive or managerial in nature.
- You are entering the U.S. to continue service with the same employer or an affiliated company.
In simple terms, this visa is not for general staff or mid-level employees. It’s intended for high-level professionals who make company-wide decisions or oversee teams and operations.
The EB-1C visa is part of the first preference category, which means you do not need to go through the labor certification process. This can make it a more efficient path to permanent residency.
Requirements for the U.S. Petitioning Company
The U.S.-based employer must meet several criteria before filing on your behalf. Most importantly, it must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company and must be actively doing business in the U.S.
The U.S. company must:
- Be established and operational for at least one year.
- Show proof of doing business (not just an office space or mailing address).
- Be able to offer you a legitimate executive or managerial position.
- Demonstrate it can financially support your employment.
This visa is commonly used by international businesses expanding to the U.S., including technology companies, manufacturers, logistics firms, and more. Smaller companies can also qualify, as long as the structure and documentation support the managerial or executive role.
Benefits of the EB-1C Visa
The EB-1C visa offers several advantages over other employment-based green card options:
- Direct path to permanent residence: This is a green card, not a temporary work visa.
- No labor certification: You don’t need to show that no U.S. workers are available.
- Family eligibility: Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may also receive green cards and work or study in the U.S.
- Faster processing for some countries: For many applicants, the wait time is shorter than in other employment-based categories.
If you qualify, this visa can be a strong step toward long-term stability in the U.S.
Common Challenges and How We Help
Even if you meet the basic qualifications, EB-1C petitions often run into problems due to missing details or unclear documentation. USCIS closely reviews the job duties, business structure, and relationship between the two companies.
Here are some common hurdles:
- Vague job descriptions that don’t clearly show executive or managerial duties
- Unclear or undocumented ownership structures between the foreign and U.S. businesses
- Inadequate proof that the U.S. entity is conducting regular business
At Rahimi Law Firm, P.C., we help our clients avoid these pitfalls by working closely to:
- Draft strong letters that outline job duties and leadership responsibilities
- Gather the right business records and financials
- Respond quickly and thoroughly to any requests from immigration officials
We understand how to prepare your case so that it meets all expectations and holds up to review.
What to Expect from the Application Process
The process involves several key steps handled by both the employer and employee. In general, it includes:
- Form I-140 is filed with supporting evidence.
- Form I-485 (if applicable) is filed concurrently or later.
- USCIS reviews the petition and may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- You may be called for an interview.
- If approved, you will receive a green card and can live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Processing times vary, but we will keep you informed and prepared throughout the process.
Contact Our Experienced NYC EB-1C Visa Attorneys
The EB-1C visa offers a unique opportunity for high-level professionals to advance their careers in the United States while gaining permanent residence. If you think you may qualify, don’t wait to take the next step.
At Rahimi Law Firm, P.C., we’re ready to review your qualifications and help you build a strong case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can support your move to the U.S.